Undergraduate Research

Undergraduate Research enhances learning by providing hands-on opportunities to apply
skills and knowledge learned in the classroom, and engages students in creative thinking
and problem solving. Through this "learning-by-doing" model, undergraduate research
provides excellent experience for students, whether they are preparing for graduate
school or seeking employment in a professional field.

Undergraduate Scholars Program

The Undergraduate Scholars Program (USP) is designed to encourage, facilitate, and support undergraduate research and
creative activity in collaboration with faculty. Working on specific research/creative
projects has been shown to increase student success in other classes, in the job market,
and in graduate school.

McNair Scholars Program

The McNair Scholars Program at MSU serves the needs of 25 undergraduate students annually who are either first-generation/low-income
or minorities traditionally underrepresented (e.g. Native American, Latino, Alaskan
Native, and African American) in graduate school. Eligible scholars are selected who
have demonstrated strong academic potential and are committed to attending graduate
school and pursuing a doctoral degree. A particular focus of the MSU McNair program
is providing research/project opportunities and financial support for summer research
projects for each student who is paired with a faculty mentor.

Research Experiences for Undergraduates Program

The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of
the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve
students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically
designed for the REU program.